My Ten Favorite Recipes of 2020

A silver lining to this weird year was my kitchen. I have loved creating new recipes and experimenting with flavors over the past twelve months. So while we’re all thinking about how to make next year better, brainstorming resolutions and goals, and letting go of pieces of this year, keep on cooking and baking and mixing up some favorites. Here are my favorite recipes from 2020 — you don’t want to leave any of these behind!

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Decaf Coffee Ice Cream

I posted this ice cream recipe in January, in the dead of winter. I’m not sure what I was thinking, since most people aren’t thinking about ice cream that time of year. However, despite the cold weather, it became one of my most popular posts ever!

I love how rich and creamy this ice cream tastes, but my favorite thing about it is how easy it is to modify. You can use your favorite decaf, full caffeine, or even flavored coffee. Or use the infusing technique for all kinds of other ice cream flavors. It even inspired me for another recipe down at the end of this list.

What you need to make it: Pour Over Coffee Brewer, #2 Coffee Filters, KitchenAid Stand Mixer, KitchenAid Ice Cream Attachment

Miso Peanut Butter Cup Cookies

These cookies were the result of a flavor experiment that I wasn’t entirely sure would work. But in the end, they became a new classic. I can’t imagine these cookies without the miso added, which pairs so perfectly with the salty mini peanut butter cups.

If you love chewy chocolate chip cookies but are looking for something a little different, with a bit more depth of flavor, these are for you.

What you need to make them: Cookie scoop, Baking sheet, Parchment paper

Amaretto Old Fashioned

I made a lot of new cocktails this year, and I’ve learned that my favorite way to create something new is by tweaking a classic with a new twist. Or in this case, a couple of them. Using amaretto was a total game changer for a cocktail I already loved.

But then the cherry ice on top of that was just so good. My favorite thing about this drink is that as it warms up, the taste changes. The ice releases additional almond flavor at first, and then finally the sweet juice from the cherries. It’s an experience to linger over.

What you need to make it: Chocolate truffle mold, Muddler

Oatmeal Cream Cheese Cookies

It was a deliberate decision not to rank these recipes, but instead list them in chronological order. However, if forced to choose, I think this one is definitely up there. It’s my husband’s favorite for sure.

One of the best parts of these cookies is their simplicity. There isn’t really a big twist here or any unexpected flavors. Instead, these cookie sandwiches are nostalgic and sweet and spicy in all the right ways.

What you need to make them: Stand mixer, Baking sheet, Cookie scoop, Cooling rack, Piping bag and star tip

Peanut Butter Mousse Double Chocolate Cookie Cups

This is the manifestation of my favorite flavor combination: chocolate and peanut butter. Are they peanut butter cups? Are they cookies? Yes. And they are absolutely wonderful.

If I had the chance in 2020, I would have served these at any sort of potluck, picnic, or party. They are perfectly sized to be handheld party treats, and just decadent enough to make everyone want to grab a couple.

What you need to make them: Stand mixer, Mixing bowls, Silicone spatula, Muffin tin, Piping bag and tip

No-Bake Caramel Apple Cheesecake

This recipe came from the depths of summer, twelve days of heat wave with not even a drop of rain to break it up. I just didn’t want to turn the oven on for every dessert. Plus, we had a few extra apples from the previous fall to finish up before the season began again.

There are so many pieces to this cheesecake, and each one makes it more gooey and delicious. Originally, I thought these might be bars, but I’m so glad they turned out to be sticky and sweet fork food instead.

What you need to make them: Marble rolling pin, Silicone spatulas, Parchment paper, Saucepans, Mixing bowls, Whisk

Blueberry French Toast Casserole

It’s a two day project, but this breakfast is basically blueberries muffins made into baked French toast, and it is so good. The tart blueberries are first baked into the bread, and then more are sprinkled on top before baking. It’s just an explosion of color and flavor.

This is recipe that’s easy to make, even if it does require a little patience. There are no complicated techniques, just tasty, filling breakfast or brunch for a crowd of blueberry lovers.

What you need to make it: Stand mixer or hand mixer, Mixing bowls, Whisk, 9×5″ Loaf pan, 9×13″ Baking pan

Butternut Squash Curry Cornbread

Don’t get scared away by the sound of curry or squash in this super moist and flavorful cornbread. I loved this one so much that I made it into stuffing for Thanksgiving this year by letting it get stale, and then adding breakfast sausage and turkey broth.

One of my favorite things about this is the combination of tastes. Cinnamon and curry together is so fragrant, and the rich, sweet butternut squash pairs beautifully with cornmeal. It’s a fall flavor explosion.

What you need to make it: Sheet pan, Aluminum foil, Potato masher, 8×8 Baking pan, Mixing bowls, Whisk, Silicone spatula, Cooling rack

Easy Apple Strudel with Cardamom

Who doesn’t love a good shortcut recipe? I have always loved apple strudel, but the dough is a lot of work and takes plenty of patience. Instead, I used quick and easy phyllo to make a tasty strudel featuring fragrant cardamom.

One thing I love about strudels is that they look so impressive, with all the flaky layers and the gooey sweet apples. But with this recipe, you can have a fancy looking and tasting dessert on the table without all the effort.

What you need to make it: Sheet pan, Parchment paper, Saucepan, Slotted spoon, Mixing bowl, Pastry brush

Hazelnut Eggnog with Bourbon & Cloves

Well, we’ve reached the end of the year with my favorite holiday recipe. This eggnog was so rich and delicious. It’s like drinking melted ice cream, but with warming bourbon and spices. If you aren’t an eggnog fan, this is the recipe that will change your mind.

I also love that it brings things full circle on 2020. My first favorite recipe from January was my decaf coffee ice cream, and I used a similar technique of infusing the milk with flavor in this festive beverage.

What you need to make it: Baking sheet, Pot, Mesh strainer, Whisk, Heat-proof bowls with lids

Did I miss your favorite?

Let me know what you loved making and baking this year. We’ve got a whole new one to look forward to, and I have already started brainstorming new ideas. Any flavors you’d love to see?

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